





\j; \ \ •i e.- r ^. \ n r^. ?» Sd n 

REPOR'r 



Miiwitoi ffifi tt« WwftewaMift 



II. S. Knafiiieei' Rc'^ttc'^lioii 



At St. Louis. Mo.. September. 26-29. 1887. 



BYRON S ADAMS, PRINTER. 




^ Of CONG 



RKPORT 

Rjeuiiiou af the Yy.t^i*ujyti 

II, S. li^i 1^'i ii<e«er 1 >,'i tt.'i 1 i( ) m , 

At St. Louis. Mo.. September. 26-'29. 1887. 



The National luK"imi)iiieiit of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, at St. Louis, Mo., opening on September 26, 18<S7, was 
also made the oeoa.sion of a Reunion of those who had served in 
the U. S. p]noineer Battalion, and whatever success attended it 
may be attributed entirely to the untiring efforts of Comrade 
F. Vog'l, ^I. D., Junction City, Kansas, who after a great deal 
of correspondence and the conse((ucnt obtaining of about 2-5<> 
addresses of former Kngincer soldiers, issued a call accordingly 
of (late ot September 7, 1887, a preliminary circular havin<; 
been sent out of date of July 1, 1887. An invitation was also 
extended to such of the officers of the Corps of Engineers under 
whom they had served, in part as follows : 

"On behalf of the Comrades we would most respectfully 
tender you a hearty and soldierly invitation to be with us at 
that time. 

The men always felt pi'oud of their officers, aiul probabh- 
t\\o officers always had reason to feel proud of the rank and 
lileofthe IJattalion, conscfpiently the men would led pleased 
to shake hands with their officers once more. '^ * :?: * * 



J. H. Putman, Geo. W. Lovejoy, Robt. Gregory, 

John Couglilan, Chas. E. Mix, Chas. Burns, 

Gilbert Thompson, J. G. Savage, Wm, T. Galjbert, 

Thos. Moloney, W. F. Sutherland, John W. Knight, 

0. H. Cobb, A. G. Alvord, Isaac Sanborn, 

C. D. Spencer, H. G. Elvans, Thos. AMiittaker, 

AVm. Longstreet, E. M. Wells, F. Vogl. 

Lieut. Col. Charles R. Suter, Corps of Engineers stationed 
at St. Louis, Mo., as also 1st Lieut. Thos. H. Bingham, Corps 
of Engineers, took great interest in the matter, and tents, etc., 
were furnished by them for the occasion. 

The Department of Kansas G. A. R. had their encampment 
in Washington Park, and they extended a cordial and fraternal 
welcome to the " Engineers," and gave them a camping place, 
as also a pron^inent position in their formation for the grand 
parade. Over the reunion tent were appropriate flags and a 
prominent sign, " Headquarters Battalion U. S. Engineers." 
Comrade Gilbert Thompson, also brought with him from Wash- 
ington, D. C, an old Engineer flag, which was displayed at the 
Headquarters of the Array of the Potomac, during the war of 
1860-1865. ^Vmong the most interesting things exhibited was 
a map prepared by Comrade Thompson, showing the routes of 
march and camps of the Battalion from Feb. 1861 to April, 1865. 
It was regretted that no souveneir of the service in Mexico was 
obtainable, and John Coughlan was the only representative 
present of the time previous to the organization of the Battalion. 

The following Comrades were present, and their military and 
civil history is also included as of interest, and to date of June 
.30, 1887. 

Black, James H. (S) First enlisted in 8th Michigan Vol. In- 
fantry at drand Rapids, Mich., September 3, 1861. Took part with regi- 
ment in the engagements at Hilton Head, S. C, November 7, '61. Coo- 
sa-cu River, S. C, Fori Pulaski, ]Viliiiiiiq;ton Island, Ga., James Island, 



NoTK. The small figure in pai-entlie;.is refers to their position in the photograph taken 
Sept. 29, 18S7, beginning at the top at the left, and su on successively. Comrade Dougan 
unfortunately being absent. 



.S". C. Srroitd battle of Ihtll Run, aud Chaittilly, V\x., South Mountain 
and . httietaiii, Md. Knlisfed in I'. S. Knjjineer Battalion. October 26, 
1S62. Re-enlisted I'ebruary 19, 1S64. Made Corporal Fehrnary, 1S67. 
Discluirj^ed at e\])iration of service l''el)ruary 19, 1S67. (Credited on bis 
discliartie as havin.i; l)i.(,ii in se\'eiilei.-n l):iUles \\]iil(,- in Uie Uallalion. 1 
Carried on farming since to date. 

COUgfUlail, Jollll. (4) I'irsl enlisted November 15. 1859. in Co. 
A (detacbnienl) at San Juan Island, \Vas]iin,!.jton Territory. Was on duty 
at tbe inauijuratiou of .\braham Lincoln. Transferred to Co. I) July 4. 
1S62. ]\Iade Corporal and tben vSertjeant, I)ecend)er i, 1S62. Re-enlisted 
at Brandy Station, Va., February 23, 1.S64. Discharged al Willets' Point. 
N. Y, to accept commission as Lieutenant in 12th V . S. Infantry. 
Mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. with regiment January 16, i,S66. Fol- 
lowed mercantile ])ursnits since^that date. Now member of the Council 
and Town Treasurer of I^a dro Townshi]), Indiana. 

Doug-ail, Arcllibald. luilisted in 21! N. V. State Militia (S2 N. 
V. \'ols. afterwards I. .\rnved at Washington, D. C. in April, 1861, and 
crossed Long Bridge in May ; was in the battles oi First Hull Run (Tylers 
advance July iS, '611, lialVs />'lujf\ Yorkto'n'n, West ]\ii)it, Cjaine's Mill, 
Savaii'C Station, Jlali'ern Hill, Sout/i Mountain awA. Antietam ; was 
wounded twice. Enli.sted from the volunteers in Co. B, V . vS. Engineer 
Battalion, October, 1S62. Re-enlisted February 8, 1864, and was dis- 
charged at close of service at Willets' Point, .N. V. ; and followed trade of 
miller since that date. 

Evans, H. O. (91 b'irst enlisted in Co. A, 27th Indiana \'ol. In- 
fantry. Arrived at Washington, I). C. in .September, 1861. This regi- 
ment came up to the Ball's Bluff battle but was not engaged. Was in the 
Valley campaign under Gen'l Banks, the \'irginia campaign under (ieiri 
Pope, and in the Maryland cam])aign under C.en'l McClellan, and was on 
duty at all the battles. Enlisted in the V . S. Ivugineer Battalion, October, 
1862, and re-enlisted in I'ebruary, 1864, and was made Corporal in 1864. 
Honorably discharged at expiration of service at Willets' Point, N. V., 
with twenty-seven battles to his credit. He was during a portion of his 
term of service detailed as Battalion ])rinter, and has since followed the 
same profession and joiunalism. Is a member of the ('.. A. R. 

Feriiald, CassillS Itl. i i 1 I'inst enlisted November 20,' 1861 at 
Portland, :\Iainc, in Co. B, Y . S. Engineers. Transferred to Co. I), July 4, 
1862. Promoted to .\rlificer November i, 1862. Was present for duty 
continuously, until March 22, 1864, when he w;is examined for a coni- 
mision before Examining Board. Washington, I). C, under charge of 
Gen'l Ca,sey, and March 25, 1864, was ordered by War Dei)artment to re- 



port to Gen'l N. P. Banks, at New Orleans, La., for appointmeut in 
" Corps d'Affrique." April 23, 1864, appointed 2d Lieut, in 97th U. S. 
Colored Infantry, but owing to status of regiment did not report for duty 
until July 1864. On Jul}- 29, 1864, was honorably discharged from IT. S. 
Engineer Battalion to accept promotion as 2d Lieut. Co. B, 97th V. vS. 
Colored Infantry. August 18, 1865, promoted to ist Lieut. April 6, 
1866, mustered out of service at Mobile, Ala., with regiment. After leav- 
ing the Battalion, April 21, to July 9, 1S64, was on detached duty at New 
Orleans, La., with Capt. John J. Smith's Co. of sappers and pontoniers. 
Jul}- 9, to November 3, 1864, on special details at New Orleans and Dau- 
phine Island, Mobile Bay, and acted as Adjutant of regiment. Engaged 
upon repairs and construction of Eort Gaines, Mobile Bay. November 
14, '64, to February 16, '65, with regimentat Barrancas, Fla., and on lixpe- 
d if ion to Pollard, Ala., where large quantities of stores were destroyed. 
Regiment lost heavy in killed and wounded. Assisted in the construc- 
tion of the earthworks at Fori Barrancas, Fla. February 16, to May 1, 
1865, took part with regiment in the Capture of Mobile, Ala., and regi- 
ment performed signal service in fighting fire and restoring order at time 
of the great explosion, and afterwards engaged in construction of large 
forts on " vSpring Hill." Since 1865 has been engaged in general com- 
mercial business, and is now resident of St. Paul, Miun., member of the 
G. A. R. 

IvOngfStreet, '^^m. L,. (6) First enlisted iu 8th Michigan Vol. 
Infantry, August 18, 1861. Enlisted in Co. D, U. S. Engineer Bat- 
talion October 25, 1S62, and was in the field during entire term of service 
except a furlough during Winter of 1863. Re-enlisted Spring of 1864. 
Made Corporal January 1, 1865, and acted as Sergeant to date of dis- 
charge by reason of expiration of service in 1S67. Is engaged extensively 
in the lumber business at date, and is a member of the G. A. R. 

Moloney, Xlioilias. 171 Enlisted September 24. 186], in 8th 
Michigan Volunteer Infantry. !\Iade Corporal December 28, 1S61. Took 
part in the battles of Hilton Head, S. C, November 7, 1861, Coosaic 
River, Siege of Fort Pulaski, M'ihnington Island, James Island, June 
16, 1862, Second Bull Run, Cliantilly, South Mountain, and Antietam. 
Enlisted in Co. I), October 24, 1862. Made Corporal September 2, 1864, 
and Sergeant July i, 1865. Received discharge by vS. O. No. 501. War 
Dept. A. G. O., September 19. 1865, at Willets' Point, N. V. Engaged 
in building construction since tliat date. INIember of the G. A. R. 

Sutherland, "W. F. (51 Endeavored to enlist in the ist and 5th 

Maine \'olunteer Infantry in April, 1861, but being only 15 years old was 
not accepted. By his parents' cofisent enlisted in Co. B, U. vS. Engineers, 



October iS, 1.S61, at Portlaiui, Maine. Re-enlisted I'ebruary S, 1S64, at 
Brandy Station, \'a. !\Iade Corporal, sprinjf of 1S65. and Serj^eant No- 
vember ;,, 1865. Rec-on)inended for a connuission iu the I'. S. Infantry, 
but no vacancy occnrrinfj was dischart^ed at exj)iration of service, I'el)rn- 
ary 8, 1S67, at Wiilets' Point, X. V. En^jaged in commercial pursnits 
since. Was on the slalTof vS. S. Uiirdelte, Commander in Chief, (i. A. R. 

TllOIlipsoiI, Cwilbert. \:-,i Enlisted in Co. A, W S. 'rojjograph- 
ical luii^ineerN al Ikislon, I\Iass., November 22, 1S61. Transferred to Co. 
n, r. S. Engineers, January, 1.S62, and to Co. D, Juh- 4, 1862. !\Iade 
Corporal December 17, i8h2. Discharged at close of service at front of 
Petersburg, Va. Having been previously engaged u])on topogra])hical 
duty at General Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, remained there on 
same duty as assistant engineer to clo.se of active operations and as a 
civilian on topographical <huy, was several times under fire. Engaged 
afterwards on various surveys under direction of Gen'l N. Michler, Corps 
of Engineers. June, 1S72, became topographer in Office Explorations 
West of the looth Meridian, under direction of Capt. Geo. M. Wheeler, 
Corps of Engineers. IMay 1, 1880, became topogi^apher in the office of 
the r. S. Geological Survey, Clarence King, Director, and became Geo- 
grapher, July I, 1S83. Is a member of the G. A. R. 

"Vog"l» Kred. (2) Enlisted in Co. C, Boston, Mass., January S, 1862, 
transferred to Co. D, Ju>y 4, 1S62. Was in the field throughout his term 
of service. Discharged at expiration of service at Camp Woodbury, front 
of Petersburg, Va. Afterwards engaged in commercial pursuits, then 
studied medicine and is now a practi.siug physician. Has been G. A. R. 
Post Commander, and Assistant Inspector, Dept. of Kansas. 



Ivxtracts from the many letters received can only be given, among 
which are the following : 

Bkic.vdikr Gknl J. C. Di AXK, Chief of Eiigitierrs, ( '. S. A : " Be 
assured that I shall always recur with pride and pleasure to the ])eriod of 
our association, and hold it in happy remembrance." 

Colonel G. H. Mknoeij., Corps of Engineers, I'. S. .1 : " I liave 
always remembered the men of the Battalion and their services with the 
greatest appreciation which will increase as years pass by. There was no 
more intelligent or faithful body of troops in the army. They were 
always ready for the duty which awaited them, and performed it with 



Note. — Only the engagements are given in the military record of the comrades, in 
which they took part, when in other troops. Some of those who afterwards 
.served in the Hattalion were on the Slar of Ihr /fV^y, Charleston Harbor, S. C, Jan- 
uary 10. 1S61. The ten comrades present took part in forty different battles. 



G 

cheerfulness and intelligence. In point of discipline few organizations 
equalled them, if indeed there was any, and certainly none excelled them. 
■•'■ ■'■ ■•■' Be good enough to express to them my friendly feelings 
and my wishes for their hajipiness and prosperity in whatever callings 
they mav now be pursuing. 1 trust they may all live many years 
and have the pleasure of fighting their battles over again, not only with 
their comrades, but with their grand children on their knees in serene 
old age." 

LiivUT. Coi.ONKi, (tEO. L. CiLLESi'lK, Corps of /:';/<,' /;/<^v7-\. / '. .V. , /. .• 
" I sincerely trust that the good soldiers have proven no less 
good citizens, and that prosperity has vi.sited you all. These meetings 
encourage loyalty and fidelity in the succeeding generations, and also 
empha.size the fact that those who meet the enemy face to face in actual 
conflict now demand that the war shall be recognized as a righteous one, 
and that the results shall ever be to the honor and glory of those who 
brought them al)Out. '■■' ""' " 

Brigadier (tExerai, R.\nai,i> vS. Mackenzie, / '. .V. ,/., although 
too ill to write himself desired, to be rememl)ered. It was the pleasure 
of the Secretary in 1882 to meet him while in command of the Cavalry at 
Fort Wingate, New Mexico, and he recalled with vivid recollection, the 
time when he was an officer of the Battalion, and related many incidents 
of that time with great pleasure, giving the names of the oftlcers and 
soldiers as though it was but yesterday, and a stirring career had not 
intervened. 

IMajok W. H. H. Benvauri), Corps of Engineers, I'. S. ./., desired 
to be remembered, and since that date has furnished the vSecretary with 
information concerning the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and 
many will recall his coming down the line of the companies at the time 
of the "break of the .Sixth Corps," and bringing them back between the 
front of the I'ifth Corps (now faced to the rear) and the enemy, liable 
to l^e fired upon by one or captured h\ the other. 

Lieut. Col. J. W. Barlow, Corps of /-'.iigiiu-rrs, I '. S. . I., very kindly 
referred to the "old Battalion." 

COMR.\i)E M. Hackett, the first in every way First .Sergeant of Co. B, 
" present my thanks and congratulations to all the ' old boys " who were 
once ])roud to wear the castle. '■'■ Am active at 65 years, happy and 

contented on the retired list." 

J. H. PrTM.\x, M. D., "Serg't Put. of I). Co. fi)rever." " I would enjoy 
meeting you and taking each b\' the hand, and look once more into those 
eyes that once witnessed scenes never to be forgotten, I shall be with 



vou in thought, ami expect my ears will tingle at times at some of the 
reminiscences of the ])ast. * •■ " 

M. H. IJUTUER, I'irst Serg't C. Co., 1863-4. " I am glad that some one 
has arranged for a reunion of the men of the old Battalion, and your let- 
ter awakens old memories too dear to be forgotten, and yet so full of 
sorrow that I scarce know how to express my thoughts — as though the 
great panorama of the past were suddenly unrolled. -Slay yon have a 
happy reunion and ])eaceful and pros])erous careers to green old age." 

C.M'T. Rob'T AviCK.s, tlif I'irst Orderly Sergeant of D Co., regrets that 
he cannot be present, and staling that he yet feels the effects of ser- 
vice at Fort Pickens, April, 1S61, writes: " Fort Pickens ! Ah! what 
memories the name brings up ! .As I pass in long retrospective review tlu- 
men, the scenes and the labors of those days I find no better, or more 
earnest country-loving men than the officers and soldiers of the Fn- 
gineers ; and some were left there on theglacis, and man}' were just able to 
be carried away. Twice since then have I visited the spot. In 1864 I 
walked there from Macon, C,a., — I learned to walk in the Engineers — I 
learned there sapping and mining also, and mined out of Macon prison 
and took this 560 mile marc^i and all by night — as an Engineer in peace 
and war learns also to march well at night ! In 1884, as a tourist, with my 
wife, I revisited Pickens, and probably for the last time. ■•' I remem- 

ber well our line of battle across the road in White Oak Swamp, {.Malz'cr?! 
J /ill battle, July i, 1862, G. T.,) the determined look of those splendid 
men as willing to fight and die on any occasion as any troops that ever 
trod. * "" When I went to the 19th U. S. Infantry — having received a 
commission — I had some misgivings as to my capabilities as an officer in 
such a sturdy fighting regiment, but I was given a company on the field, 
{CJiickaDiauga battle, G. T.) wasa veteran in an hovir and Adjutant in a 
month ; and because I had learned my duties correctly and ivell in the 
Fngineers. '■' Come to my town on' your way home, — house with a 

flag-staff on the lawn, Ayres in command of the garrison, and will fur- 
nish you quarters and rations without formal recjuisition, and now once 
more " God bless you ! " 

Bknj. C. Sparrow. Co. C, 1S61-1864, now vSupt., Life .Saving Station, 
Fast Orleans, Mass., wrote as follows : — •■' * " It is true that we are 
growing older daily ; and as we reach the time, where the glance is to- 
wards the past rather than to the future, there is for the boys of ('61 ) no 
])oint to which memory reverts more quickly than the ilays when banded 
together we — through thick and thin — bridged the water-courses and 
made firm the miry places which interposed between the sturdy old Army 
of the Potomac and the object of its march. Tedious as were those years 
and terrible as were those battle-days, I have yet to meet the comrade 



Avlio has ever regretted, that he bore his part in the grandest trial to 
which free institutions ever have been or can be subjected. * ■ I hope 
that all of yon though removed fram the "tented field," have not been 
unmindful of military honors anfi* with promotion always in view you 
have been for many years " l"iela-Marshals of Infantry," so that should 
danger to the republic impend and the President of the United vStates. 
but stamp his foot, sufficient "Sons of veterans" would fly to arms to 
fill the ranks of the Battalion to its maximum strength, who imbued with 
the spiiit of their father's youth would assure the veterans of silvery locks 
and shining poll the reputation of the engineers wovdd suffer no depletion 
b\' the transformation. As for myself, in case of a call for active service, 
I should view the situation with extreme complacency, as too old to ' get 
in the draft ' myself, and with my boys all .girls, I would not have to even 
feel in my pockets for commutation money, but my hand has to go there 
all the same, as my eldest is taller than the "girl I left behind me ' in "61, 
and the youngest is so near the same elevation that I am constantly re- 
minded of what an old fellow I am getting to be. '■■ Comrades ! It 
is not necessary for me to tell you that our patriotic duties were not all 
done when the wars were over. •■ .\s we stood for law and order in 
the old Battalion, so do we stand now. Our associations and all others 
banded together in fraternitv, charitv and lovaltv fullv attest that fact. 
* * When the last of us shall have answered the final roll call the mem- 
bership must be filled with our descendants, pledged to follow our ex- 
ample by stepping to the front when the occasion shall come." 

There were other letters and none so short as to fail to start either a 
smile or a tear, but space forbids further extracts. 



It would be an impo.ssibility to record or describe the warm 
and hearty greetings on this occasion, niinuled with surprise at 
the changes wrought in each ones appearance in over twenty- 
two years. " Boys " had become comparatively venerable, while 
those who were matured in 18(31 not much change was apparent, 
but the '' old bi'lts " when brought out were found l:ir and lai' 
away from the "last hole/' and it was gravely suggested that 
"eight days rations" had been drawn and immediately eaten to 
give more room for ammunition in the knapsacks. How old 
stories were re -told and received a little of the inevitable finish 
and addition, which in time will render them perfect. With 
the record and inquir_v of the living was mingled the memories 



i) 

ofthe past aiul ol'tlic dead, of "Uravc old Captain Cross," and 
t>thors, and by the sort i)i" freo-niasonry whieli exists between 
" old regulars," the tent was s^aon the point of attraetion for 
many of tlieni, and tales were told of Mexico as well as of ISdl. 
(^uite a number of Volunteer Kngineers also found there con- 
ii'enial company. Xo one was more welcomed than tin' vener- 
able lather of f'irst Serot. J. H. Putnam, who althouiih 77 
years of age, and during inclement weatlK^r, honored us with a 
visit. Several regular re-union meetings were held, and time 
seemed far to short to tell all over again. 

In spite of the rain and disagreeable condition of the streets, 
the " detachment," turned out on the ever-to-be-remembered 
parade, and including other "regulars," about twenty-five men 
ibllowed the " old castle Hag "" throughout the entire march and 
attracted deserved attention. 

At the last meeting an informal organization was made by 
electing comrade Vved. Vogl, President, and comrade Gilbert 
Thompson as Secretary and Historian. Membership to consist 
of those who had ever served in the U. S. Engineer troops ; 
there to be no dues, whatever expenses there might be incurred 
to be liquidated by voluntary contributions, the indication by 
letter or otherwise of a wish to be considered as a member be- 
ing the only formality. The place of reunion to be the same 
date and place of the National Encampment of the (trand Army 
of the Republic. 

The thanks of the comrades jn-esent was extended to the 
officers of the Department of Kansas, G. A. M. for their kind- 
ness and courtesy, and in jierson to [.ieut. Col. Suter antl 
Lieut. Bingham, when the re-union of 18.S7 was at an end. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

V;iLP,ERT TIIOMPS( )X, 

Approved: Scn'd((i'i/ (did lfi'^f'>i'i<'ii. 

Fred. Vogl, 

J'nxifJcnf. 



XoTK. — Ii wiis expected that this ripoit would liave been printed hv Comrade Kviiiis. 
but a severe iUiiess lias imich ai^aiiisl his will forced him to reliiu|uish what would 
hiive been a pleasure to him and to all. Those desiring co])ies of the photo can procure 
them by enclosin<jf fifty cents to 1'. \\i.i,'l. M. I)., Junction Citv. K.ansas. 



sIDIX. 

Principal Events in the History 
U. S. ENGINEER TROOPS, 



BY GILBERT THOMPSON. 



Company A, "sappers and iniuers," was organized by Act of Congress, 

May i6, 1846. Tlife discussion of this measure began as early as 1S42. 

Recruiting began May 2S, and one of the first was Joseph A. 

1846. Mower, who afterwards attained the rank of Major-General of 
\'ohinteers, and was Colonel in the U. S. Infantry at the time of 

his death in 1870. The company was officially organized by order from 
U. S. Engineer Department placing Capt. A. J. Swift in command, and 
also 2d Lieut. G. \V. Smith and Bvt. 2d Lieut. Geo. B. McClellan. (All 
the officers in command of V. S. Engineer Troops are necessarily of the 
Corps of Engineers. ) 

On September 26, the company sailed for the Campaign in Mexico and 
landed at Brazos vSautiago, Texas, on October 12, and was attached to 
the command under Gen'l Zachery Taylor. 

February 24, was transferred to the army under command of Cxen'l 

Winfield Scott, and tdok part in the S/fi^r of I era Cruz, and battle of 

Cciro Gordo. (Names in italics indicate that the troops were 

1847. mider fire. ) At Conhras, C/icnibiisco, Molino del Rev, Chapul- 
tepec. City of Mexico was part of the storming party. 

1848. June 6, ordered by Capt. R. E. Lee to proceed to its Headquarters 
at West Point, X. Y. , via New Orleans, La. 

1853. A detachment under command of Lieut. A. J. DouaULson, accom- 

jKinied Pacific R. R. Expedition in Oregon. 
The company, Capt. J. C. Duane in command arrived at Fort Bridger, 
Utah. August I, after remaining there eight days returned to West 

Point, N. v., on October 13, and during this trip marched iioo 
1858. miles in 56 days. In September a detachment, Lieut. I). C. Hous- 

tan in commiuid, left for Vancouver Island, W. T. 



11 

1858 'I'hifi ilelaohiiuut acroiiipaiiieil an i-xpeililioii to C'.reat Salt Lake, 
to ami rclurncd to the Dalk-s in tlie fall of JS.Sy, fortified San Juaii 
I860. Island, ri.-turnedto the Cascades in January, iS6o, and in tlie sprinj; 
of iS6i arrived at Washiniiton, I ). C. 

The company, Capt. Duaiie in command, arrived at Washington, 1). C, 
Januarv 21, at Inauiiuration of Abraham Lincoln as President did escort 
dntw April 3, left for New \'ork Harbor, and arriveil at I'ort 
1861- I'ickens, Ma., at midnight, April 16, and was engaged in severe 
and unremitting engineer duty until Septend)er 17, reaching West 
Point September .v>. <>n October 31. left for Washington, I). C, and was 
attacheil to the Ileadcjuarters of the Armj- of the Potomac, Capt. (iCo. R. 
McClellan, IVIajor-Cteneral of Vols, in command. 

Hy Act of Congress. August 6. three additional coinjianies were autho- 
rized, al.so one company of Topographical ICngineer troops, and recruit- 
ing for this company began in October at Boston, Mass., by Ijeut. Cha.s. 
N. Turnbull, Corps of Topographical Engineers, but the recruits were 
afterwards transferred to the Engineer troops. Company B was recruited 
at Portland, Me., by Lieut. Thomas L. Casey; Com])anv C at Boston, 
Mass., by Lieut. James P.. Macphenson, (afterwards Major-Cyeueral of 
Vols.) [Company I) was organized by transfers from the other compa- 
nies at Harri.son's Landing on the James River, Va., July 4, 1862.] These 
four companies formed the Engineer Battalion, and Capt. J. C. Duane 
was its first commander, afterwards Chief-Engineer Army of the Potomac, 
and at present date ( 188S) Chief of the Corps of Engineers. 

Built the first wooden pontoon bridge in the United States, I'ebruary 

26, across the Potomac river at Harper's Ferr^-, \'a., (41 boats) made their 

first march as part of Army of Potomac on March 11, on guard at 

1862. Oeneral Headquarters, March 14, at I'airfax C. H. \'a., and March 

26, embarked for P'ort Monroe, \'a. 

April 12 to May 7 engaged in the Sir^r of yo)ktow)i. June i, a de- 
tachment, Lieut. O. E. Babcock in command, crossed the Chickahominy 
river at Xew Uridine and was attacked, and E. F. Austin severely 
wounded. June 1 to Jiuie 19, were engaged in bridge building along the 
CItickahoDiiny river. June 26 a detachment destroyed the bridge at New 
Bridge that night, and during (,'ainc's Mill hatlle, June 27, detachments 
were on duty at various points of the line. 

During night of June 27 and morning of June 2S, ;i detachment, Lieut. 
C. B. Reese in command, destroyed the "Woodbury Bridge," and so 
thoroughly as to delay the enemy for one day in his advance. June 29, 
kept the crossing at White Oak Swruu]) in order, which was assumed to 
be an impossibility by the enemy. July 1, during Malvern Hill battle 
made reconnai.ssance to the extreme right, remained for a time in line of 
battle, then returned to main line, slashing timber and obstructing roads. 
July 2, arrived at //arrison's Landing, James River, slashed timber dur- 
ing d%v. 



12 

Augu^it 2, fortified Hue at Coggin's Poiut, and August 14. built pontoon 
bricge (105 boatsi at mouth of Chickahominy river. August 19 arrived 
at Hampton Roads. August 22 to August 31, in camp at Aquia Creek, 
destroyed bridges near Fredericksburg, \'a. September 3 at old camp 
Washington, I). C. 

September 7, marched out with the army. September 16, prepared 
crossings at Antietam Creek, Md., for troops and artillery. September 17, 
during battle oi Antietam, .supported Randall's Battery H, ist U. S. Artil- 
lery, and acted as Infantry to September 20. Capt. Chas. E. Cross was 
now commanding officer. September 21, during night, crossed trains bv 
the ford at Harper's Ferry, Va. During October enlistments from the 
volunteers were made, and all were veterans. Bridges were built, etc. 

November 3, moved into Virginia, and November 20 camped near Fal- 
mouth. November 24, bridge building details were made, but moved to 
final winter camp on November 28 

December 10, at dark moved out with pontoon train to Rappahannock 
river, below town of Fredericksburg, and began bridge at dajdight, Decem- 
ber II, Sergt. Robt. Ayres was on opposite bank with an abutment partv 
at work when the enemy made an attack, but the bridge was fiuallv com- 
pleted at 10 a. m., and during Frcdei icksbuio- battle was on dutv at the 
bridge, which was taken up after daylight, December 16. 

January 20 was in the advance, April 2<S to May 5, during the Chancel- 
loi svilte battle, laid bridge at same point as on December, 1S62. May 3 
moved bridge l)y rafts to opposite the town, and were shelled by 
1863. the enemy. 

During the winter of 1862-3 built stockades and made topographical 
surveys along the railroad to Aquia Creek. 

Jtine 5, built bridge by daylight and under fire at Franklin's Crossi>i<^\ 
the site of the former bridges. Capt. Cross was instantly killed in the 
front boat, and many were wounded some dying afterwards in consequence 
of wounds received. During night of June 9, threw \\\) rifle-pits at the 
front and took up bridge, June 12. 

June 14, built bridges at Occaquan Creek, afterw^ards made into rafts 
which were towed to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Georgetown, D. C, 
arriving Jvme 17, and attended to the towing of the rafts up the deserted 
canal to Nolan's I'erry ; on June 20, built during an extremely dark night 
with the 50 N. V. \o\. Engineers a bridge of 64 boats across Potomac 
River at Edward's Ferry. Capt. Geo. H. Mendell was now in command. 

June 27, at night took up the bridge, and the 28th marched to Buckevs- 
town, Md. , having been without regular rest for forty hours. 

July I, reported to Gen'l Geo. G. Meade, conmianding Army of the 
Potomac, at Taneytown, Md. ; and July 2, were at Westminister on guard 
and picket duty, barricaded the streets. Capt. C. B. Reese and other 
officers were on staff duty at Hat tic of Gettysburg-. June ir, built crib 
bridge across Antietam Creek. % 



r.) 

June 15 to iS, at Harper's Ferry building bridges, etc. 

August I, Co. C crossed some of the 2d U. S. Cavalry at Beverly 1-ord. 
and then built bridge. 1 7 boats). A detachment also built a bridge al 
Kelly's Ford, and July 31, the Beverly bridge was taken uj) and jnit down 
at Rappahannock Station. August 9 and August 27, canijjed near Cul- 
pepcr C. H. Va. 

.\t daylight, October 13, took up bridge at lieverly I'ord, .ind llicn 
Tiiarched to Catlett's .Station, and October 14 to Centrevillc, just escaping 
Bristoc battle. 

October 17. Co. D built bridge (3 boats 1 at Blackl)urn's I'ord. and to 
(k'tober 20, repaired bridge over Bull Run. roads, etc. 

November 7. built bridge at AV//r',v /uircf ni.irching witli eight days 
rations. 

November 24, moved out for an advance but returned. November 26, 
threw bridge at Jacob's Ford, Rapidan river, also at Gemianna F-ord, and 
during Mine Run movement had charge of these bridges. 

October 2. made Winter camp at Brandy Station, \'a. 

During .Winter of 1S63-4 built several stockades along the railroad. 
I'ebruary S, Co's A and B moved out with the advance with ])ontoon 
train. \"ery comfortable log huts were built, also a theatre 4oxifH> 
1864. feet for recreation. Some seventy veterans re-enlisted. 

May 3. made the first march of the U'i/dcnicss Cai///yaj\''fi. ^lU'l -^Iii> -I. 
crossed the Rapidan river at Culpeper Mine Ford. May 3. camped near 
Crcneral Headquarters, Capt. JNIendell, Lieut. R. S. Mackenzie, Lieut. W. 
H. H. Benyaurd and several non-commi.ssioned officers were on duty at 
Headfjuarters. 

May 6. acted as infantry with right of the I-'ifth Corps. In the after- 
noon built rifle-pits under severe artillery fire, afterwards supported a 
battery, and Co. C formed part of the picket Hue that night. 

May 7. relieved from duty as infantry, and during night marched to 
Finey Grove Church. From May 9, to May 20. were incessantly ou duly 
at the Spodsy/vania Inittlcs. Capt. Mendell guided the Second Corps to 
place of attack, morning of May 12. May 21, the Battalion took pari in 
the capture of (•iiiiica hriiiov, holding the ground until the F'ifth Cor])s 
came up. This is a notable afi"air in this that the General IIead(|uarler 
troops skirmished for their own advance. 

May 24, to May 27, during Xorfli .hnia batti: built corduroy l)ridges. 
etc., and to May 31 accompanied the army performing engineer duty. 

June 1, Co's C and I) cut road through woods near .Allen's Mill for ad- 
vance of Second Corps. 

June 2, to June 12. during Cold Harhov battle companies were attached 
to the different army corps and ])uilt rifle-pits and advanced the lines, 
also built a defensive line at Cold Harber to enaljle the army to retire. 

June 14, the Battalion performed signal service by the part they took in 



^s 



14 

the coustrnclion of the pontoon bridjje of loi boats across James river, 
and 150 feet of trestle work in addition. 

June uS, camped before Petersburg, and ^luring .the Investinenf of 
retcrsburg were constantly on duty, and on October 27, acted as infantry 
near the Peeble"s house. Detail surveys and plans were also made of the 
lines of fortification and forts. Maj. Franklin [Harwood in command 
after September i . 

In February formed the riiiht of (len'l Miles command. March 29, 
moved out with the army. The ni,y;ht of March 31, built corduroy bridge 

over Gravelly Run for advance of Fifth Corps, and on April 9, at 
1865- time of the surrender of the enemy were at the front of the Second 

Corps. May 4, at Richmond, and on May 8, crossed the Rap- 
l)ahannock river in peace at hVanklin's crossing. May 23, took part in 
Grand Review at head of column, Maj. Franklin Harwood in command, 
and non-commissioned ofl&cers in command of companies. June 20, 
Go's A, B and D arrived at Willet's Point. June 21, Co. A proceeded to 
West Point, N. Y. Co. C arrived at Willett's Point, N. Y. , in December 
and active operations were once more at an end. From 1S61 to 1S65 they 
had taken part in thirty-three official engagements. 







